Feral hog management workshop set for Feb. 5 in Luling

LULING – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, will conduct a Feral Hog Management Workshop beginning at 8 a.m. Feb. 5 at the Luling Civic Center in Luling.

“Texas has one of the largest feral hog populations of any state,” said Jared Timmons, AgriLife Extension wildlife associate at San Marcos. “AgriLife Extension estimates that the destructive habits of hogs cost the Texas agricultural industry about $52 million in damages annually.

“Feral hogs are also significant contributors of pollutants to creeks and rivers across the state. As they congregate around water sources to drink and wallow, their fecal matter is deposited directly into streams, adding bacteria and nutrients to the water. Extensive rooting by groups of feral hogs can cause extreme erosion and soil loss.”

Timmons said landowners and other stakeholders in the Plum Creek watershed have identified feral hogs as a contributor to the elevated bacteria levels in the creek. Through the Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan, landowners have identified management and control of this invasive pest as a priority to restore and protect water quality in the creek.

Individual preregistration is $20 by Feb.1 and $30 thereafter. For more information and to preregister, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Caldwell County at 512-398-3122 or caldwell@ag.tamu.edu .